Teaching Supply Agencies prove fruitful for NQTs

Last week teaching supply agencies visited the Learning Gateway at Fusehill Street Campus to update NQTs on the benfits of considering supply work as a means of getting their teaching career started.
M2Education, Hi-Flyers, Teaching Personnel and CAPITA met with students from the PGCE and QTS Primary courses.
If you are considering supply as a stepping stone to your dream job then check our hand-picked website links for Supply Agencies http://www.delicious.com/stacks/view/INRflp
and Finding Jobs http://www.delicious.com/stacks/view/C26Vjb

BBC Design Trainee Scheme

The 2012 BBC Design Trainee Scheme is opening soon. And you need to get your skates on if you want to apply, as the scheme is so popular that applications are only accepted between 18th June and 22nd July.
The opportunites last for 12 months and combine training, mentoring and work placements.
So if you are interested in make-up, costume, interactive deign or art department then check out www.bbc.co.uk/design

Fully funded opportunity to study at Cambridge University

Interested in studying for a second degree in the arts or humanities?
St John's College, Cambridge are offering the opportunity to spend another 3 years in academia at their expense. The John Crook Scholarship covers all costs including fees and a grant of at least £1080 per month for living expenses.
You need to be:
- the first in your family to attend university
- demonstrate exceptional academic performance in your degree
- a British citizen
Interested?
Call 01223 338789 to find out more or download an application form at www.joh.cam.ac.uk/john-crook-scholarships

The TDA is dead - Long Live the TA!

The Teaching Agency (TA) opened on 1st April, replacing the abolished Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA).  Information on becoming a teacher previously available on the TDA website is now available at www.teach.gov.uk including the flagship School Direct programme.

FAQ: How can I go about looking for a job?

This is the second in our series of answers to frequently asked questions:

How can I go about looking for a job?

First, have you remembered the ‘University of Cumbria Job Shop’? 

1. Access the main page - http://cumbria.prospects.ac.uk
   
2. Press ‘Register Now’.
   
3. Create a user name and fill in your details.  Once Registered:
    
4. Select ‘Search for Vacancies’ in the ‘Main Menu’ on dashboard to access jobs by type, sector and location.
    
5. Sign up to receive email job alerts (optional).
    
   
6. To search for specific employers, type the employer name in ‘Keyword’ box.
   
   
7. Simples!

For more jobsearching tips, see the careers section on The University of Cumbria website.

FAQ: Where can I get practice with numeracy, aptitude and personality tests?

We recently researched some Frequently Asked Questions for a forthcoming guideline to help our students and graduates.  Unfortunately there were so many, we couldn't include them all! So this is the first in a mini-series to cover at least some of the ones that got missed out.

The trouble with tests is that no employer will be able to show you exactly what test they will use because it would render the test invalid.  Obviously previous knowledge of the exact test will skew candidates' results.


So where can I get practice with numeracy, aptitude and personality tests?

Fortunately, the increase of careers materials on the internet has meant that a large number of sample tests have become freely available.  We have collected some of the links on our section of the Delicious website and in particular you could try http://www.delicious.com/skillzone/psychometric or
http://www.delicious.com/skillzone/tests

For an overview of the types of tests most commonly used in graduate recruitment, plus some further samples, start with  http://www.prospects.ac.uk/psychometric_tests.htm  Also useful for a broader overview of psychometric and personality tests used in a variety of different occupations is http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometric_test_types

Even if you end up facing a test you've never heard of, don't press the panic button before you start.  There will invariably be one or two trial items at the very beginning of the test to make sure you understand what's required.

Recruitment Fair - Supply Teaching

Are you a newly-qualified teacher (NQT) or graduate seeking work locally or nationally?

The University of Cumbria’s Careers Service is organising a Teaching Supply Agencies Mini Recruitment Fair 
Date: Tuesday 19th June, 9.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m.
 
Location: Ground Floor, Learning Gateway, Fusehill Street, Carlisle

Agencies represented will include M2Education, Reed Education, Hays, High-Flyers and Teaching Personnel.

All are welcome to attend.

Further information from Joanne Watson, Careers and Employability Adviser.